The town of Bridgewater, Virginia is located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and nestled between the North River and Dry River banks. It is located approximately five miles to the southeast of the city of Harrisonburg and 25 miles northwest of the city of Staunton. The town lies within the county of Rockingham. Washington D.C. is within a two and one-half hour drive.

Why the Town of Bridgewater was named Bridgewater? Around 1820 Jacob Dinkel constructed the town’s first bridge and decided to name the town Bridgeport. This was to bring attention to the fact that there was an opportunity for shipping along the river port. In 1835 however, the town was granted a charter and the name was changed to the current name of Bridgewater.

The governing body consists of 6 council members and a mayor. A Town Superintendent oversees daily operations along with long range planning and budgeting. The Town of Bridgewater consists of approximate 2.4 square miles and is home to a private nursing care facility, Bridgewater College and Bridgewater Retirement Village.

The town is very proud of its 10 parks. Harrison Park consists of 15 acres and is the home of the indoor tennis courts. The other parks are Oakdale Community Park- 36.5 acres, Wildwood Park- 10 acres, Seven Bridges – 2.23 acres, Edgebriar Park- .24 acres, Wyant Park, .83 acres, Bridgeview Park- 2.58 acres and Cooks Creek Arboretum- 8 acres. The town’s golf course is located in Sandy Bottom Park which consists of 13.5 acres. The Town of Bridgewater is home to various restaurants, professional offices, and banks and shopping. Bridgewater is also known for its Bridgewater Little Leagues, Annual Lawn Party, Labor Day Celebration and Concerts in the Park.